It’s the Little Things
by Kris Burton, WMABA President
When I joined WMABA and began attending meetings, there would be so many shops in attendance that I would find myself in awe to be in the same room as the top shops in our region.
There was camaraderie among the shops, a level of trust and collaboration in working toward a better industry for everyone. It was then I realized that our shop needed to be a part of it. The first thing I would do every month was read Hammer & Dolly from cover to cover. It’s where I would find out when the next in-person meeting would be, and I would show up to all the meetings I could to try to learn as much as possible to help grow our business. Luckily, one day, I was asked to be a part of the Board.
Truthfully, I don’t like talking about myself, but I share my story in hopes of helping someone else get involved. Though there has been a lot of consolidation in the region, the core still exists to serve customers and help our fellow repairers grow. Now is the time for independent repairers to come together more than ever before.
As I think of all the great people who sat in this seat before me, it’s humbling. They are some of the best people I have met and who have inspired me to keep pushing. I wouldn’t be here without their guidance. The other day, I was asked how one could get involved. I suggested looking at our website, social media, or better yet, picking up Hammer & Dolly. Whether it be an in-person meeting, sending an email or calling a Board member, it’s those little things that can change the course of your business.
I envision an association that’s a throwback to seeing a lot of shops show up for the meetings hungry for information, communication and a strong repairer community in our region, while also evolving to the different types of meetings, topics and a place of inclusion for all who want to be involved. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if we can point you in the right direction.
Want more? Check out the May 2024 issue of Hammer & Dolly!